I finally decided to make my first attempt at becoming a bowyer. I decided to start with a Oak Board Bow, therefore if I had a catastrophic failure I wouldn't be out the $100 or more a nice stave will cost me. I hit my goal of 40# @ 28" and put a 1/2 dozen arrows through it, all seems well. Now to apply a finish, leather handle wrap and rest.

Congratulations. I hope you don't mind, just a observation and a couple tips. Your bending nicely out of both fades. Your right limb starts to get a bit stiff about mid limb. You could remove some wood from there to the tips. Your left limb looks better. It to could bend a little more from mid limb to tips but is pretty close. I'd be most concerned with the right limb. I'm guessing it'll take set, it's going to be stressed in the inner limb. All in all it's a good start. I sure hope you keep building em

Bjrogg

Looks like a fine job! Just out of curiosity--do you know what species of oak it is?

You did well for it being the first.

Look good for coming out of a board, keep at it and you will make it.

Looking for any advice?

crookedstix, not sure other than Red Oak. It came from the local lumber yard. I probably went through 50 boards to find one without grain run-off.

Pearl Drums, I'm always open for advice.

That probably comes across as rude, not my intent. Your first attempt is as good as first attempts can be. But a few things caught my eye that will make your second even better.

Pearl Drums, I'm definitely here to learn, let me hear it.

I should add, that I did back it with burlap and Titebond 3

A backing isn't needed on a good grained board, but I know it eases the mind with your first handful of bows. Hell, it eases the mind after a few hundred bows at times :). The left limb in the pic has a perfect bend, the right side is flat mid way to the tip. It could use a few scrapes in that area. If you look back and forth between the two limbs you will see that variance I mentioned. Also, your fades could be more gradual, they are somewhat abrupt. Lengthen them out another inch and make the ramp up more gradual and flowing. You did a fantastic job for a first attempt. I can only imagine what your 20th or 30th may look like.

Welcome aboard the S.S. Bowyer

The tip picture looks like very nice grain. If that runs full length you found a dandy. Nice job I agree the outer 1/3 of the limbs look a little stiff. I understand stopping when you hit weight though. Don't over draw it and don't leave it strung for more than 1/2 hour at a time.>>>-----> Ken

gentlemen, Thanks for the kind words and helpful tips. This definitely won't be my last and I can definitely see it becoming an addiction.

Glad to hear the helpful replies and willingness to listen roughneck3. Like Pearl said, that's a nice first bow. Very much looking forward to seeing more in the future.

Bjrogg

PS beautiful shop

Great job on your bow. That's really nice for the first one. You're a smart man taking the advice of the seasoned bowyers here on the wall. Welcome to a very satisfying addiction ;)

Did you use a tillering gizmo to get the tiller just right?

You did a really nice job on the cross section of your limbs, that is a very important detail in giving bows that classic look. I have a feeling your tiller is only off a little because you hit final weight before you were done tillering. I can give you some tips on how to avoid that if you are interested

LJ, yes I made and used a Tillering Gizmo.

badger, I'm open to all suggestions and tips, they are actually greatly appreciated.

Fabulous first bow ... you do know there's no way back now .. ha ha ha

Nope, never happen!! Your shop is too clean! :) :)

Very nice job..

Great JOB! Keep going!

Looks nice.

Please post up more pics when you're all done. Arrow shelf or shooting off hand?

Sweet

Good job, especially for your 1st! Look forward to seeing the finished bow! WYatt

Looks good!! I made a board bow from a hickory board. It looked and shot good, but I had a slight divot in a spot on the belly that concerned me. Well, at full draw one time, I heard a cracking sound. Sure enough, that's where it broke. But it was a fun build and a learning experience for my next one. I keep thinking of trying a tri-lam all wood take-down for the hell of it.

That bow would be good even if it was his fifth, Ha!Ha!

Bjrogg and Pearl Drums have it right on the money.

Better looking than my first board bow, which blew.

It's amazing what can be done with an oak board from the hardware store. The only bow I've ever made started out as a red oak board from HD. I backed with bamboo flooring material. It was a little over 30# and shot well for a while but after about 200 shots the bamboo gave out. Now its a wall hanger. I think it would still shoot if I had just made it 100% out of oak board like you did. Nice work & enjoy!!

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